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Obituaries: Oct. 25, 2017

Wed, 10/25/2017 - 11:50am

Cynthia Ann ‘Cindy’ Sparks Osborne

July 25, 1958 — Oct. 9, 2017

Cynthia “Cindy” Sparks Osborne left us peacefully to become our Angel in heaven the morning of Oct. 9, 2017, surrounded by the family and many friends who loved her so. Cindy was born July 25, 1958, to Charlene and Deward Sparks, of Bakersville, but grew up in Coconut Creek, Florida, attending Coconut Creek High School, where she made many lasting friends.

Being beautiful both inside and out, Cindy spent many years as a model and actress in South Florida, appearing prominently in several commercials and an episode of Miami Vice.

But those accomplishments meant little to Cindy compared to her wish of just being a wife and a mother. Cindy found her wish in 2001 when, at the age of 41, she married her loving husband, Dan, and gave birth to the daughter she thought she would never have, RoseAshley.

Together, Cindy, Dan and RoseAshley settled in West Palm Beach and built a great life together – traveling to many places, spending beautiful weekends watching sunsets with cocktails at their home in Islamorada and enjoying Cindy’s awesome cooking and campfires at their horse farm in Ocala.

In 2006, Cindy’s love of children led them to own and operate two beautiful preschools in the area, including Academy of Little Learners in Wellington, where Cindy poured her heart and soul for the past 10 years.

Cindy was just reaching her pinnacle when the good Lord decided he wanted her in heaven. Our hearts are broken, but we will be forever blessed by having Cindy touch our lives in her special way. Wife, mom, sister and special friend, she will never be forgotten.

Cindy leaves loving memories to Dan, her husband of the past 18 years; her 16-year-old daughter, RoseAshley; her mother, Charlene; and father, Deward; sisters, Cookie, Deb, Marcheita and Von; many loving nephews and nieces; her beloved dogs, Sammy and Trixie; and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be at St. Edwards church in Palm Beach at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, with a Memorial Gathering to follow at ER Bradley’s Saloon in downtown West Palm Beach.

In lieu of flowers, Cindy would have preferred to help others, so please, make any donations in the honor of Cindy to either Trustbridge/Hospice of Palm Beach County or the American Brain Tumor Association.

BAKERSVILLE

Mary Sue Austell Wilson

At her mountain home and always feeling blessed by a wonderful life, Mary Sue Austell Wilson went home to be with Jesus and a host of family, friends and her beloved husband, Homer, on Oct. 15, 2017, just short of her 102nd birthday.

Born in Gaffney, South Carolina, to George and John Austell, she spent most of her childhood there.

Along with her two brothers, Marshall and Will, the family then moved to Spindale. Mary Sue attended Limestone College in Gaffney after graduating from R-S Central High School.

She was a member of Snow Hill Baptist Church in Bakersville, where she was actively involved in service for many years. Mary Sue was a Sunday School teacher, taught in Bible School, helped establish the church library and was the secretary-treasurer of the church for many years. She loved her church family.

Along with being a homemaker, she was the bookkeeper for Spruce Pine Wholesale Company and she worked with the American Heart Association.

Her love for children and desire to always help them led to her next career as an assistant teacher at Gouge Elementary School for many years. She enjoyed being a member of the Penland Homemakers Club and the Red Hat Ladies.

Her passion and active involvement in the Democratic Party were well known to all who knew her. She never missed voting and even carried neighbors to the polls to vote when she was driving.

Mary Sue had such a zeal for life and living it to the fullest. She loved and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of her favorite words was “best,” (denoting her positive attitude). The food she ate, places she went, all her friends, a gift or new clothing, everything she encountered, was the “best.”

Her wisdom and advice, appreciation for family, God and country, and her courageous spirit are all legacies she leaves behind.

A celebration of her life was noon Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at Snow Hill Baptist Church on Slagle Road in Bakersville. The family received friends from 11 a.m. until time of service. Pastor Dean Honeycutt officiated.